The Status of Spanish-Surnamed Citizens in Colorado. Report to the Colorado General Assembly.

Colorado Commission on Spanish-Surnamed Citizens, Denver.

The purpose of this 1967 report sponsored by the Colorado Commission on Spanish-Surnamed Citizens was to study statistical, sociological, and psychological data pertaining to current problems, conditions, and needs of Spanish-surnamed residents of Colorado. The data were derived primarily from analysis of existing studies and the 1950 and 1960 census reports; from government records; and from interviews with public officials, Spanish-surnamed leaders, and other appropriate individuals. In addition, mail surveys were conducted with various agencies, and spot interviews were conducted with Spanish-surnamed citizens. Data were obtained on (1) the Spanish-surnamed population of Colorado, (2) economic status of the Spanish-surnamed, (3) education, (4) crime and delinquency, (5) health, (6) legal aid needs, and (7) housing. It was concluded that serious deprivation exists within the Spanish-surnamed population in the areas of income, employment, education, health, mental health, housing, respect for law, and legal aid. Furthermore, it was noted that these problems could get worse with the next generation unless the cycle of deprivation is broken. (TL)